REGULATING HIGH-ENERGY DRINK SALES TO YOUTHS UNDER 16 AND IMPACTS OF CONSUMPTION ON YOUTHS IN SINGAPORE

NOTICE PAPER NO. 39

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 23 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye

MP for Radin Mas

Question No. 166

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry is studying the UK government’s proposed ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to youths under the age of 16; and (b) whether the Ministry is aware of local studies done to examine the impact of consumption of such drinks on youths in Singapore.

Answer

1          MOH is aware of the UK government’s proposed ban and ongoing public consultation.

2          Internationally, there is currently no recognised health-based guidance for caffeine intake or international standards on the amount of caffeine allowed to be added to food. Regardless, caffeine should be consumed in moderation and individuals are advised to limit their intake to avoid adverse side effects.

3          High-caffeine energy drinks (which tend to contain high amounts of sugar and/or sugar substitutes) account for less than 1% of the total sales of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Singapore. The Healthy Meals in Schools Programme restricts the sale of SSBs in schools, hence youths are generally not exposed to such drinks in schools.

4          Currently, there are no local studies being conducted to examine the impact of consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks in youths. MOH and HPB will continue to monitor the developments internationally and encourage Singaporeans to adopt healthier diets overall.